Menosukhi Moments - Maestro's a Melter

My niece, The Maestro, today marks her 23rd birthday. It is remarkable, given that at birth she had a life expectancy of about 11 years. Born with a genetically induced spectrum which includes blindness, some motor disability, spinal and other skeletal malformation, kidney dysfunction and intellectual effects, she became a figure of research as much as a patient requiring treatment.

A kidney transplant changed the 'play' somewhat; not to mention outstanding love and support from all around.  

All this has not prevented Amy from being a major part of what is going on!  Her musical leanings became apparent from about 18 months, when she was given a toy keyboard. Tunes were emerging.  She only had to hear something once and she could repeat it almost perfectly. Music became her life. When it came time for education, she embarked upon it relatively enthusiastically, but it is really when music is present that she is fully and truly engaged. All the standard classes and grades have been obtained though and all credit to her - and her mother!

Amy is on a number of different peer groups and committees; she adores going to the cinema and theatre; she is quite the little fashion doll and has her finger on the social pulse.

...and she gives the best hugs possible!!!

Whilst staying with the father, I did a moderate amount of tidying (some of it resembling archaeological excavation, but let's not go down that gripe...) and amongst other things discovered a newspaper article which I would like to share with you.  Feel free to download and magnify if you so wish, as this gives the educational institution's point of view. Amy is now away from Stevenson (renamed Edinburgh College) and up to Dundee, at Abertay Uni for her honours year, but this gives a clear pointer to the challenges which are presented and how willingness can overcome anything...

There are many such wonderful and encouraging stories around the globe, but this one is personal!

The Maestro knows my 'blogname' for her and that I have some wonderful and caring readers who take an interest.  If you would like to join me in surprising her, please leave greetings in the comments box!!! (I shall SMS her at a later point in the day and get her to check them out...)